List of Fortified Foods

To fortify foods, manufacturers add nutrients that were not originally present before or were removed during processing. These additional nutrients can help you meet your nutrient needs and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Consumption of fortified foods should be in addition to, not instead of, consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of naturally nutritious foods.

Salt Contains Iodine

Fortified salt contains iodine, an essential nutrient for preventing goiter, developmental disabilities and cognitive impairment. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable brain damage in the world, and iodization of salt helps prevent widespread deficiency in regions where the soil is not high in iodine or where consumption of seafood is not high. Salt that does not contain iodine must say so on its label, but salt in processed foods does not contain iodine.

Refined Grains Have B Vitamins and Iron

Since the mid-1950s, most grains and grain products have been fortified with thiamin, or vitamin B-1; riboflavin, or vitamin B-2; niacin, or vitamin B-3; and iron. They have been fortified with folic acid since 1998. These products include bread, corn meal, flour, pasta and rice. Folic acid is an essential vitamin for preventing neural tube birth defects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not currently require corn masa flour to be fortified with these nutrients.

Fortified Milk Provides Vitamin D

Milk is not a natural source of vitamin D, but fortified milk is a main source of vitamin D in the United States. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for helping your body absorb and use calcium, which is necessary for strong bones. Other foods often fortified with vitamin D include milk substitutes, such as fortified soy milk, fortified orange juice and fortified breakfast cereals. Fortified milk also provides vitamin A.

Many Other Foods Are Fortified

Some types of margarine and other butter substitutes contain sterols, which help lower cholesterol. Manufacturers may add calcium to orange juice and to milk substitutes, such as soy milk, rice milk and almond milk. Puddings and other snack foods for children also often contain calcium. Grains, such as breakfast cereals, are often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-12 and calcium. Infant formulas can contain iron, vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids.


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